Foreign Relations of the United States, 1961–1963, Volume XVII, Near East, 1961–1962

175. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in the United Arab Republic⁰

Washington, January 26, 1962, 7:24 p.m.

880. For Ambassador. Depcirtel 1271.¹ One major purpose Bowles’ trip Middle East is provide opportunity frank discussion with Nasser of whole range US–UAR relations and world situation in general. President believes your recent discussion with Nasser together with favorable responses to UAR requests on PL-480 programs and economic consultant question which we expect authorize you convey in near future, creates atmosphere propitious for such high-level discussion. While not in any sense expecting elicit political commitments President hopes Bowles will be able affect favorably Nasser’s views our policies in general and reassure him of US friendship for long run. Also hopes Bowles may obtain frank statement from Nasser how he envisions evolution US–UAR relationship over years ahead. Objectives Bowles’ visit Cairo February 13–17 are therefore (1) to indicate through mission Special Presidential Adviser urgency and sincerity US interest in moving further along path mutual cooperation; (2) provide Nasser with authoritative US view on broader aspects world problems and allow him in turn get across his outlook on world situation and Middle East problems.

In order Nasser may be aware significance President attaches Bowles’ visit, Kennedy-Nasser letter (text being transmitted separately)² prepared for delivery immediately.

Hope Bowles can have several hours with Nasser. Preferable interviews be conducted in two meetings on February 14 and February 17. Intervening days should be scheduled permit Bowles spend better part one day seeing first-hand something of village development, land reform and other development projects in Cairo area and, as time permits, also seeing two or three key Egyptian officials such as Baghdadi, Amer,³ Muhieddin, Ali Sabri, as Embassy deems advisable. If Embassy believes useful and feasible, Bowles also would be happy address AUC student body. No interviews or visits should be scheduled February 16 which should be set aside permit Bowles and his staff opportunity evaluate results his visit Iran and prepare for speech at Addis Ababa. Suggest possibility obtain private launch for overnight cruise on Nile this purpose. If this not feasible, Embassy should suggest other alternative.

In discussion with UAR officials you should stress Bowles’ visit not tied to specific negotiations. Public statement (which can be agreed upon after we learn Nasser reaction) will stress informal nature visit and fact it for purpose of obtaining first-hand impression conditions modern Egypt, etc., as well as hope for useful informal exchange with President Nasser.

We do not envisage Nasser-Bowles meetings will deal except in general way with proposed steps in US–UAR economic cooperation. Dept expect be able authorize you convey our views on multi-year PL-480 and economic cooperation before Bowles’ arrival.

Bowles will be accompanied by two assistants and secretary. Wishes protocol aspects visit kept to absolute minimum.

Ball

0. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 123-Bowles, Chester. Secret; Niact; Limit Distribution. Drafted by Thacher (NEA/NE) and Lewis (SR) on January 23; cleared by Barrow (NE), Veliotes (S/S), and Smith (White House); and approved by Talbot who initialed for Ball.
1. Circular telegram 1271, January 18, informed selected posts of Bowles’ impending special mission to several countries in the Near East, South Asia, and the Far East February 8–March 19. (Ibid.)
2. Document 176.
3. Abdel Hakim Amer, Vice President of the United Arab Republic and Minister of War.